WA opposition leader Basil Zempilas has just held a press conference where he was asked about a suggestion from the WA Local Government Association that council rates could jump by as much as 5 to 7 per cent this year due to the rising cost of fuel.
Zempilas urged councils to exercise restraint due to the significant amount of pressure already on households.
“We understand that everything is going up at the moment,” he said.
“Everything is going up, and, at some point those responsible for providing services are going to need to recoup some of those costs, we understand that, that’s happening right across our community and fuel is a huge contributor.
“What I would say to those in local government is please be responsible with whatever rate rises you may feel you need to impose, we would urge restraint.”